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Himachal CM Urges 100% Apple Import Duty, Ban During Peak Season

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, urging a ban on apple imports during the state's peak production months from July to November. He also advocated for a 100% import duty during other months to shield local farmers from surging imports, which have increased two-and-a-half-fold in a decade. The CM highlighted that apple cultivation supports 2.5 lakh families and contributes Rs 4,500 crore annually to the state's economy. He warned that current Free Trade Agreements could further depress prices and harm the local horticulture sector.

Key Points: Himachal CM Seeks Apple Import Ban & 100% Duty from Centre

  • Ban imports during Himachal's harvest
  • Raise import duty to 100%
  • Protect 2.5 lakh apple farmers
  • Address adverse Free Trade Agreement impact
2 min read

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu meets Union Minister Piyush Goyal, urges ban on apple imports during peak season

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu meets Union Minister Piyush Goyal, urges ban on apple imports from July-November and 100% import duty to protect state farmers.

"apple imports have increased nearly two and a half times over the past ten years - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

New Delhi, January 17

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday called on Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal in New Delhi and strongly urged the Centre to ban apple imports during the state's apple production months, from July to November. He also recommended increasing import duty on apples to 100 per cent during other months to discourage off-season imports.

During the meeting, CM Sukhu highlighted the concerns of approximately 2.5 lakh farmers engaged in apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, stressing that apples account for nearly 80 per cent of the state's total fruit production and generate an annual income of around Rs 4,500 crore.

The Chief Minister has promptly taken up the issue of the horticulturists, who met him last week, for redressal of their grievances. He also raised the matter with the Finance Minister and urged for speedy action.

The Chief Minister, in his meeting with the Union Minister, apprised him of the concerns of apple growers in the state regarding the reduction in import duty on apples. He said that apple imports have increased nearly two and a half times over the past ten years and added that this would increase the volume further due to the free trade agreement. He said that the seasonal window for the import of New Zealand apples is between April and August, with a 25 per cent tariff, however, for other months, the previous 50 per cent duty remains applicable.

He said that the various free trade agreements shall not only adversely affect the in-season apple trade but also impact the price of apples stored in cold storage in the state and the off-season trade.

Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ram Subhah Singh, and Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rakesh Kanwar, were present at the meeting.

Separately, on January 15, BJP president and Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda met CM Sukhu in Delhi and described the meeting as productive. Nadda said they discussed the overall development of Himachal Pradesh and reiterated that the Central Government remains fully committed to strengthening healthcare and other critical services in the state.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While protecting farmers is important, a complete ban might be too extreme. Could lead to higher prices for consumers. Maybe a phased duty increase is better? We need a balanced approach.
V
Vikram M
Finally, a CM who is listening to the 'aam kisan'! 2.5 lakh families depend on this. FTAs are good, but not at the cost of our own people. Jai Himachal! 🍎
P
Priya S
The data speaks for itself - imports increased 2.5 times in 10 years! This is a clear threat. Hope the Centre acts swiftly. Our apples are the best anyway, why import?
R
Rohit P
Good step, but the government should also focus on improving cold storage facilities and supply chains for our farmers. That will help them compete better in the long run.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see state and central ministers from different parties working on this. Hope the politics doesn't get in the way of a good policy decision for the farmers.

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